Name: Sandy Collora
CM: Any Personal Info you are willing to share: (married? Kids? Pets? Occupation? Where from? Other hobbies,/Interests?).
SC: I am not married, nor do I have any kids, though I hope to someday. I have a wonderful girlfriend of almost 5 years, who I'd like to experience that with sometime in the near future. I don't have any pets per se, but there's a harbor seal who hangs out in the cove where I dive a lot, who keeps me company when I'm there. He has a peculiar habit of taking fish off my spear before I can get them into the boat, but he's a great dive partner and companion. I'm fortunate enough to make my living as a director and artist. I'm originally from Staten Island, NY. I moved out to Los Angeles in 1985 and started working for the late Stan Winston at the age of 18 and I've been working in the film industry ever since, working my way up the ladder, into the director's chair in 1999, with my first short film "Solomon Bernstein's Bathroom". I started directing commercials and music videos soon after that, then "Batman Dead End" was next in 2003. My career has taken several twists and turns, some leading me into other areas like the toy industry and comics. I've even worked on several theme parks as a designer and sculptor. Some of my career highlights thus far have been working with two of my childhood heroes; Jim Cameron and Steven Spielberg, on "The Abyss" and "Jurassic Park" respectively... I directed my first feature film last year, called "Hunter Prey", which was an incredible experience and the realization of a life long dream... I live in Huntington Beach, CA and enjoy surfing, fishing, 70's culture, freediving, skateboarding and of course, collecting vintage toys.
CM: How did you get started collecting mego?
SC: Sometime in the mid 70's, my mom bought me a Batman and Robin at Kresgees, or maybe it was just a Batman, I don't quite remember. I know spider-man was also one of the first megos I got. I also recall the Micronauts being littered all over the floor of my room. I'm actually not even sure if I had Micronauts before the WGSH or not, but I do remember me, my brother and my cousins, getting tons of megos for Christmas after that, all the way up to 1978-- After that, I have to admit, it was all about Star Wars. Before that though, Planet of the Apes was a huge deal. I was really into all the films and the TV series was on at that time as well. I used to draw apes all the time and we'd play POTA outside, wearing the Ben Cooper Halloween costumes, year round. I remember as the masks would get cracked or broken, we'd fix them up with crepe hair or old wigs, whatever we could find. I even remember gluing that fake hair on my hands to get the more authentic, accurate "ape-look". Once I saved up enough allowance money, I ordered a Don Post soldier ape mask from the back of Famous Monsters magazine, and that changed the game. I would stare at that thing, literally for hours, holding my POTA megos in my hand-- That period of my life was something very special to me. The 70's were a truly remarkable decade that I believe was the impetus and inspiration for the creative person I am today. It was a time when expressing one's self through their art seemed much more important than anything else. It's hard to quantify, but it's just seems different now-- Maybe I'm just experiencing life through the eyes of a somewhat jaded, 41 year old adult, who's worked in Hollywood too long. I dunno... It's a weird business and in these tough times, both economic and in general for our country right now, it's not making it any easier. Megos are kind of an escape for me. Something I can do to get away from the day to day of the film business and my hectic life. They represent pure happiness and love. There's an incomparable charm to mego figures that is undeniable and inexplicably attractive. They're just so colorful and bright-- The expressions on their faces say so much to me about that period in my life. They truly are icons of innocence that represent something to me so beautiful, that even though I'm a writer, it's hard to find the words to describe it... For me, they are and always will be the perfect toy. Classic... Pure.
CM: What is your favorite original mego figure and line?
SC: Favorite figure would have to be a toss up between the soldier ape and time traveler. Favorite line is Planet of the Apes, but I also really loved the Micronauts, they were a really close second. They were smaller and they had more little parts, so a lot of accessories and hands/feet got lost, but it never affected the playability for me. It's funny how now, as collectors we all strive to get complete, all original, figures for our display cabinets, but when we were kids, none of that mattered. It's wonderful how things change and one gains perspective as we grow older, navigating our way through this life. Often we find out that our original thoughts and way of looking at the world around us, when we were kids, are the right ones... If only they would last through the years as unclouded and innocent as they once were. That's what I strive for in my life, is to try and retain a little innocence. I think that's where the toy collecting thing truly stems from with me. As a matter of fact, I'd actually prefer to have a really beat up and played with figure, over a super clean one, or carded one, any day of the week-- It's incredible to just hold that figure in your hands and run your fingers over the texture of the costume, feeling the softness of the vinyl, the looseness of the worn joints-- To imagine what kid had that figure-- What was his name? Where did he live? What was the play scenario? How did Spidey get that rip in his outfit, or that rub on his head? How did it eventually wind up in your hands? Megos are like little human beings in a way, each with its own history and life stories to share. The trick is learning how to communicate and connect with them and tap into the imagination and sense of wonder you had when you were a kid.
CM: What is, in your opinion, the biggest "hole" in mego's original lines. (what figure or figure line is missing that should have been done).
SC: Well, I remember thinking back then that the Apes line needed a Taylor. It was weird to me that they never made one and there was that generic looking astronaut character who looked nothing like Heston or anyone from any of the films or anything. When I played with him, I called him Taylor, and I even remember painting a beard on him at some point, but I always knew it looked nothing like him. Even though when you're a kid, you don't care as much about that stuff, I was always aware of it. Besides that, I really didn't think much about what they didn't make or "holes" in the lines as you put it, I just loved what they did make and treasured every single one I had. I still have a handful of my original megos that I had as a kid, and they are some of my most prized possessions. I often wonder what happened to the rest of them -- Where they wound up, if they're still in good shape... Who owns them now?
CM: What motivated you to start customizing, and what was your first custom?
SC: I had just finished "Batman Dead End" and wanted to do something special for my cast, crew and all the members of the press who helped make that little movie, the monster it eventually became. I thought a custom mego would be a cool gift to show my appreciation. It was unique and different and I thought my crew, who were mostly Batman fans and collectors, would really dig the figure, opposed to the usual crew shirt or jacket. That figure was really my first custom. It was a lot of fun... I sculpted the head and the capes were actually made from material from the screen used costumes. Doc Mego gave me a great deal on the parts and Chad Gordy did an amazing job on the card. Aside from a prototype and a few artist proofs, there were only 100 made.
CM: How did it come out? (looking back on it now)
SC: It was kinda cool. I did it with the limited knowledge I had at the time. I wasn't really a member of the museum when I made the figure, so I wasn't exposed to a lot of the resources that were available here yet. The head sculpt, I thought looked a lot like Clark, but I think nowadays, I would have approached the figure and outfit a bit differently, that I have more experience and a little bit of a different perspective. Maybe a more mego-esque sculpt, or a different approach to the costume... I dunno. It is what it is. It was more about giving a gift that I made personally and that came from my heart. That particular custom wasn't really about how accurate I could get it to look, or to impress anyone. I guess there were different feelings and inspirations driving it, so to speak.
CM: What have you done/learned that has improved your customizing skills?
SC: The museum is a great place and there are a lot of talented people here. Most of what I've learned has simply come from observation. Just looking at Farley's work, or Jason's... I remember James Brady's work being very awe inspiring and inspirational as well, especially in the beginning. Seeing how they handle certain aspects of the figures is absolutely fascinating to me. There's a lot of information there if you know how to look for it. Dave Lepage has also taught me quite a bit. His approach to costuming is unique and fresh. Aside from his sewing skills, he has a great knowledge of form and function and has been an integral part of my education regarding how to make my figures the best they can be, by contributing some wonderful costuming and painting ideas, making the figures truly a team effort. Ed Nagy has also opened up a new world to me as well... I had no idea that custom, silk screened suits could be made. Working on the sleestak suits with him was a great learning experience and I was super happy with what he was able to come up with. I always strive to get better at the things I'm not so good at, regarding my work, so being exposed to so many talented and kind people in here, has been paramount to my development as a customizer and just as an artist in general.
CM: What areas of customizing are your strongest points, or favorite things to do??
SC: Probably sculpting. That's the part I enjoy most, anyway... I also like to paint, too. I don't really do anything else. LOL. I can't sew worth a darn, and why even mess with cards or boxes when Anthony's around? I look at making my customs kinda like making a movie-- I get the most talented people I can to collaborate with me and then I just supervise and "direct" it all, incorporating my sculpts and paints into the final product, which I think is the most important thing. I think I've been very fortunate to have some of the best in this place, to contribute great things to the figures. I've made some great friends here and look forward to working with them on more projects.
CM: What resources make it easier for you as a customizer? (is there a source for parts? Information? Etc. that aids you more than anything else?).
SC: There's so many incredible resources available to us now; Bodies, parts, heads, everything really... It's wonderful! Personally, I use the bodies and accessories that are available through companies like Castaway, CTVT, Doc Mego, etc... A few days ago, I also just got a few of the new Zica bodies, that are really cool, too. I've had nothing but pleasant and positive dealings with Dave and Jason, Paul, Craig and all of the super nice people here in the museum. It really is a great community of people that I feel privileged to be a part of. I sculpt mostly everything myself, but it's really awesome to have so many choices when it comes to the things we all need, like bodies, boots, cards and boxes. I think Anthony Durso at the Toyroom is one of the most unique and amazing resources we have. I honestly think so many of us would be lost without him. He's a great guy and incredibly talented. It's such a pleasure working with him and all the guys and gals, really. I'm having a lot of fun.
CM: What is your favorite custom you've done and do you think it's your best work? If not, what do you think is your best work?
SC: The Animated Urko that Dave Lepage and I have just finished is kinda becoming my favorite of late. The bright colors of an animated character seem to work so well with the mego form and style. It's just so... Mego, I guess. LOL I'm looking forward to working on the rest of that line. I also think the Galen, from my POTA TV series line is kinda neat. Capturing the likeness and attitude of Roddy McD as that character was super fun. Like anything though, it's always hard to pick an absolute favorite. I put the same amount of love and effort into all the figures I do. Even something like the Fulci Zombie, which was not my idea, nor something I'm really into, I try to approach as passionately as I can.
CM: Why do you choose the projects you choose?
SC: I just do what I like, really... What inspires me. Mostly stuff from the 70's. Ya know, figures that actually could have been real megos because of the time period. Making customs is not something that I have a ton of time to dedicate to because I predominantly work on them in between film projects, so I put a lot of thought into selecting which lines and which characters I'm going to do.
CM: What are your favorite customs others have done and why?
SC: That's a tough one. It's almost an impossible question to answer... There's so many great pieces out there... There really are. If I had to pick one? Hmmmnnnn... John Farley's Spider-Man is pretty frakkin' amazing. All his work is, actually. I think the level of workmanship he's achieved is unbelievable. His figures truly are mini masterpieces and he's a hec of a nice guy, too. I'm also quite fond of Derek's stuff as well. It's super clean and well done. Very creative. Then there's Jason; What can you say, really? BK's figures are not only incredible, but I think he's the most prolific customizer in here. The sheer amount of the excellent work he consistently cranks out, is astounding to me. To top that all off, he hand sews all his outfits... Simply incredible. Laurie is also super talented, as are Jessica, Chris (Captain Mego), Cat, Bryan Bossart, Thomas, the list goes on... There's so many creative folks, there's really too many to mention.
CM: What is on your "to do" list in the near future?
SC: I'd really like to do some of my original designs. I've designed literally hundreds of creatures and characters over the years, that have never been realized three dimensionally. Monsters I've designed for movies or cartoons, etc... I think it'd be fun to do figures that no one's ever seen before. Characters that are unique and original. The problem is, there are still so many characters from my childhood that I want to do... Figures that are very nostalgic to me, like the apes and Krofft stuff. I'll get around to doing some original figures soon.
CM: How do you think customizing affects the mego collecting hobby?
SC: That's another hard question. Everyone seems to have different, but valid points regarding this... I dunno, there are aspects that help it and enhance it so to speak, but I guess there are affects of certain things that can be looked as negative. I actually think that it has more of an affect on the museum though, than it does the entire hobby, in my humble opinion. Mostly positive I'd have to say... I think there are a small handful of people who frown upon it or perhaps don't look at in the most positive light or that take advantage in certain ways, but on the whole, I think it's a very good thing. It's a little slice, or corner if you will, of our community that I think is unique, interesting and a lot of fun.
CM: Any tips or words of customizing advise to new customizers?
SC: No. I'm really in no position to give customizing advice to anyone. I'm still learning myself... LOL! I will however, say this; I think the mego museum is a place of knowledge, information and talent. All one needs to do is look around, be aware and respectful of others and their work, and they'll learn... If you're not aware or respectful, you probably won't learn anything.
CM: Do you sell custom figures or parts? If so, why?
SC: I've sold some figures... I make them mostly for myself, but if people are interested in getting one, I'll do very limited editions. It's a nice little source of income in between film or commercial work and I really enjoy doing it. I've actually moved away from selling heads and parts now, because I'm really into making entire figures. I think they appeal to a much more broad audience, opposed to just parts, that only really appeal to other customizers. If someone I know and have done business with before, would just like just a head or part, I don't mind pouring one up for them, but my customer base these days is pretty much all figure collectors. I actually like sending heads and parts, more as gifts these days. I get a lot out of sharing my work with other artists.
CM: What do your family/friends think of your mego custom work/hobby?
SC: My girlfriend laughs at me. She says I'm trying to hang on to my childhood forever... She's right. ; )
CM: Thanks for your participation Sandy!!